Does New Orleans Jazz Fest deserve to use the word "jazz" in its title? Some folks complain that the annual gathering has become a pop behemoth, one that gives short shrift to the grand art form spawned in New Orleans. Full story »

New Orleans jazz haters have a big problem. Like it or not, such benighted souls still need to learn about our town's biggest contribution to world culture -- if only to guide friends, relatives and the 9 million tourists that arrive here annually. When someone seeks hot trumpet or a parade drummer, they won't settle for a Kiss cover band or a really great D.J. This is New Orleans, for goodness sake! It's a jazz town, even if our greatest musicians usually need to travel to make a living. To help all the interested parties, we assembled this one-stop guide to the 10 best jazz clubs in New Orleans. These outposts come in all forms, from brainy listening rooms to sleek hotel lounges; from dance spots to restaurants that add jazz to the menu. Visit a few New Orleans jazz clubs, and you'll discover what we did: "It's not just grandpa's dance music – or a brainy bid for concert hall prestige. In this town, jazz is a mark of authenticity. It's a living thing ... that goes down well with a serving of Trout Baquet and a tall ice tea. It's for dancing, and for listening hard, and for bringing tears to your eyes. It's a bucket-list thing – an American thing – even if your tastes run to Lady Gaga and aging British rockers." Full story »